Walking Off The War Within (WOTWW) is a free, community-driven event held in honour of Nathan Shanahan, a veteran and first responder who was deeply committed to raising awareness of mental health issues faced by those who serve and work in emergency services.
In 2015, Nathan set out on a remarkable journey—walking over 400 kilometres from Mildura to Adelaide with a 20-kilogram army pack. Along the way, he shared his personal battle with mental health—his “war within”—with everyone who joined him. He never walked a step alone. Friends, strangers, and local townspeople stood beside him, united in purpose and solidarity.
Tragically, Nathan lost his battle with mental illness in 2016. In his memory, the first Walking Off The War Within event took place in Ballarat in 2017. Since then, WOTWW has grown into a nationwide movement, with over 20 walks held in communities across Australia—including in Alice Springs, Kalgoorlie, Canberra, Yulara, Mildura, Darwin, Brisbane, and Warrnambool.
The spirit of WOTWW lives on through these events, where participants are encouraged to walk 20km with or without a 20kg pack, or simply walk whatever distance they feel comfortable with. Whether you’re walking for yourself, a mate, a loved one, or to show support, every step counts.
WOTWW is about community, conversation, and connection. It’s a safe and inclusive space where people from all walks of life come together to raise awareness for mental health, support those who have served, and honour those we’ve lost.
So lace up your boots, grab your pack—or just bring yourself—and join us in this powerful act of unity. Together, we walk off the war within.
Follow us on social media and keep an eye on our website to find out when the next walk is happening near you. Together we can stomp out the stigma, surrounding mental health.
